Tricks Makeup Artists Always Use (That You Don’t)

We imagine the mind of a makeup artist must swirl with brightly coloured lipsticks and creamy (but never cake-y) foundations, shiny glosses and powdery shadows, criss-crossing and intertwining into a kaleidoscope of shimmering colours. Hence, the word “artist” in their moniker.

Happily, makeup artists tend to be a generous bunch, and are happy to share their trade secrets with those less brush-adept (aka never-satiated beauty editors). And like eager disciples, we lap up the wisdom, taking careful notes and even tentatively trying out their teachings on our own—albeit in the safety of our own bathrooms and not on an A-list celebrity, thankfully.

Curious what this wisdom might consist of? We’ve got 10 perfect examples for you ahead. These are things that makeup artists have revealed to us they do that that we—in our blithe naiveté—had never even considered. Suffice to say, our lives have changed for the better since learning them. The question is: Are you ready for this life change? If so, keep scrolling to learn from the masters.

Celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder told us that she uses loose powder for so much more than finishing off a completed look—subbing in for dry shampoo is one. Or, sprinkle it between coats of mascara to instantly thicken your lashes.

In case you didn’t realise, your trusty balm is so much more than just a hydrator. Take a cue from makeup artist Daniel Martin and use it as a highlighter, or blur out eye shadow for a softer look. It also makes any blush into a cream blush—just tap it on your cheeks after applying blush, then blend it out for a dewy glow.

To give any product more luminosity, employ every makeup artist’s favorite trick: Just add moisturiser. Opt for a light, blendable one that seamlessly mixes with foundation, concealer, and even eye shadow or blush. Think of it like the water in your water colour paints that are your makeup products—the more you add, the lighter and softer the finish.

To add a velvet texture to your go-to lipstick, just dab your finger in a bit of blush or warm-colored eye shadow, then pat it over your lips. So much easier and more interesting than full-on matte, trust us. Don’t forget to set with a makeup setting spray!

Right now we’re fully embracing the dewy, candlelit skin trend—if only because it’s so much easier than trying to keep our foreheads totally shine-free. The problem arises when you’re aiming for a smooth canvas and use more than a swipe of foundation and concealer to cover your annoying breakout—things can end up veering on the cake-y side. The easiest solution ever? Give yourself a little spritz with your favourite facial mist, just like a pro makeup artist. The mist will diffuse any harsh lines or caked-on texture, instantly.

Cold weather is enemy number one for your already-dry skin; even those of us who don’t normally struggle with flakiness tend to encounter it during the winter months. Enter: face oil and a beauty sponge. Makeup artist Edward Cruz told us that anytime he applies foundation over dry, flaky skin, he uses a Beautyblender to dab and blend a small amount of face oil over those problem areas. He promises a “smooth and fresh finish”—and we’re holding him to it.

Bronzer might not seem like the most obvious candidate to win best double-duty product, but we’re going to give it a chance thanks to a tip from makeup artist Carissa Ferreri. She says sweeping bronzer over your eyelids will give a barely there wash of colour, and make your eyes and cheeks pop in the most natural way.

Waxing your lip takes on a whole new meaning when you consider this industry trick: using a clear wax brow pencil to line your lips. Yes—a brow pencil. Why? Makeup artists swear that it keeps feathering and fading at bay when your trusty lip liner is nowhere to be found.

If you love a big, voluminous, Bardot-esque lash look, you might be tempted to look for a full, thick false lash—don’t. Ariana Grande’s makeup artist Daniel Chinchilla says you’re much better off stacking two light, thin false lashes on top of each other. Just make sure their bands are thin to keep things looking natural.

Have you heard of these makeup artist secrets? Tell us your favourite in the comments!